Before you use
Risperidone, discuss with your doctor if you are allergic to it or its ingredients. Your doctor may prescribe an alternative medicine and update your medical records to record this information.
Before you use
Risperidone, tell your doctor of your medical and health history including the following: heart problem, drug-induced low level of white blood cells (leukopenia/neutropenia),
seizures, drug abuse,
diabetes, progressive neurological disorder (Parkinson’s disease),
dementia,
epilepsy, kidney problems,
liver problems, an abnormally high level of the
hormone prolactin, family history of blood clots, uncontrolled movement of the mouth, tongue, and face, high temperature, muscle
stiffness, sweating, a lowered level of consciousness, prolonged or painful erection, heart problem, drug-induced low level of white blood cells (leukopenia/neutropenia), seizures, drug abuse, diabetes, progressive neurological disorder (Parkinson’s disease), dementia, epilepsy, kidney problems,
liver problems, an abnormally high level of the
hormone prolactin, family history of blood clots, uncontrolled movement of the mouth, tongue, and face, high temperature, muscle stiffness, sweating, a lowered level of consciousness, prolonged or painful erection, heart attack, heart failure, heart rhythm abnormalities (conduction abnormalities), disease of blood vessels in the
brain (cerebrovascular disease),
dehydration, decreased blood volume (
hypovolemia), or poor tolerability to the medicines that affects the mind. A low dose of
Risperidone is used in these patients and caution is advised. Before having
surgery during the use of
Risperidone, discuss with your doctor and dentist about the medicinal products you use including prescription/non-prescription/herbal medicines.
The use of this medicine may change the prolactin level. This medicine may increase the level of prolactin
hormone. Due to this, a milky discharge from the breast (
galactorrhea), an absence of
menstruation (
amenorrhea), enlarged breasts in men (
gynecomastia), and difficulty in erection (
impotence) can occur. Long-standing high level of prolactin in the blood (
hyperprolactinemia) when associated with abnormally low levels of the sex hormones (hypogonadism) may results in decreased bone density in both male and female.
The use of Risperidone may change white blood cell count. Risperidone may cause a low level of white blood cells. Patients with the history of a low white blood cell count and drug-induced low white blood cell count should have their complete blood count (
CBC). Regularly monitor CBC throughout the first few months of the treatment. Discontinuation of the therapy should be considered if there is a sign of a decline in white blood cell count.
The use of this medicine may change glucose levels. The diabetic patient should undergo fasting glucose testing at the starting of the treatment and frequently during the therapy. All patients receiving Risperidone should be observed for the symptoms of high blood glucose.
Risperidone can make you feel sleepy. Be careful when using any machinery, driving a vehicle, or doing any other activity that needs you to be fully alert. The consumption of
alcohol with Risperidone can worsen the sleepiness. Risperidone may cause rarely
seizures in some people. If you perform any activities where a loss of consciousness may cause harm to you (or others), you should discuss with your doctor.
The use of Risperidone during
pregnancy should only be when required. There are increased chances of
side-effects in the babies if antipsychotics are used in the third trimester. This may include withdrawal symptoms or extrapyramidal symptoms such as muscle contractions, motor restlessness, rigidity, slowness of movement,
tremor and irregular jerky movements. There are some reports of nervousness (agitation), low muscle tone (
hypotonia), increased muscle tone (
hypertonia), tremor, respiratory distress, sleepiness, or feeding disorder. As a result, the baby should be monitored carefully. The use of Risperidone is not safe for use in women who are
breastfeeding. If you are
breastfeeding a baby, discuss with your doctor if you should either discontinue breastfeeding or stop using this medicine while breastfeeding. This medicine may pass into breast milk. Consult with your doctor on the use of Risperidone, if you are trying to conceive.
This
medicine can increase your risk of getting infections or worsen existing infections. Hence you should reduce your chances of getting new infections by doing the following. Wash your hands regularly. Avoid people who have infectious diseases. Avoid
vaccination without discussing with your doctor first. Prevent any cuts,
bruises or injuries. Risperidone may increase the risk of infections such as common
cold,
flu, inflammation of the lung airways, urinary tract infection, stuffy nose,
pneumonia, ear infection, lower respiratory tract infection, inflammation of the pharynx or viral infection, and
abscess under the skin (subcutaneous abscess).
Risperidone may cause increased incidence of
side-effects in older patients. Elderly patients may see an increased risk of
mini-stroke (transient ischaemic attack),
stroke (cerebrovascular accident), urinary tract infection, swelling of the legs, lack of energy (lethargy), and
cough.
Risperidone may cause an increased risk of
side-effects in children. Children using this medicine may see an increased risk of sleepiness,
fatigue,
headache, increased appetite, vomiting, upper respiratory tract infection, nasal congestion, stomach
pain (abdominal pain),
dizziness,
cough,
fever,
tremor,
diarrhea, and involuntary urination (
enuresis).